It is hard to imagine that we are nearing the semester point for the 2011-12 school year. With this in mind, I wanted to take the opportunity to update our parents and community members regarding some of the events and future decisions to be made in the coming months.
Starting off the year with some great news… Grant Park School District #6 was informed that a team of educators has been selected to present at the prestigious No Child Left Behind Conference. The presenters, which include Principal Tracy Planeta, RtI Coordintor Lee Ellen Palan, 5th grade teacher Ashley Carlson, and Interventionists Michelle Clausen and Kathy Ekhoff, will discuss the concept of utilizing data to increase student achievement. Specifically, regular education teachers and the RtI team now have weekly meetings to review and discuss student learning, examine data, and discuss future instruction with the goal of increasing individual student achievement. Without doubt, the selection to present at this conference is yet another example of the excellent work being completed not only by the RtI Team, but the entire staff at Grant Park Elementary. Grant Park Elementary is now on the map folks!
I am hoping that the state’s fiscal picture improves for 2012. As you probably have heard, the state’s inability to pay owed monies to school districts in Illinois is quite concerning. For example, Grant Park School District has not received a transportation or special needs personnel payment for the current fiscal year. Although we are mandated to provide both services, the District has been forced to borrow from reserves to pay our bills. Alike many school districts, we are faced with difficult decisions as our revenue sources continue to witness a significant decline.
I wanted to take a moment to address the current Industrial Arts program. As you may be aware, the district has been advertising for this vacancy for over 18 months. At the current time, we have received no interested applicants for the part-time position. In addition, the District has utilized the waiver process, which allowed a certified teacher (not content area) to be instructing the classroom. However, the eighteen month “grace” period has expired and unfortunately, the administration was left with no other option. We will continue to make every effort to fill this very difficult vacancy.
And last, but certainly not least, I would like to take a moment to congratulate the recently named Illinois State Scholars representing Grant Park School District #6. I am pleased to announce that Annie Detloff, Blake Liazuk, Katie McNally, and Allison Schreffler have been selected as State Scholars from Grant Park School District #6. I have always felt that being named an Illinois State Scholar is one of the most prestigious awards that a student can receive. Frankly, these four seniors have devoted hours to excelling in the academic arena and are worthy of this award. Great work- and if you see them, please congratulate them on this honor.

The month of December has been good to us here in DragonLand, as our student body and staff have represented the District in great fashion. During the November board meeting, the administrative team prepared a presentation (for the public and Board of Education) regarding our student achievement levels as well as future initiatives/goals. I am truly honored to report to you that Grant Park Elementary (K-8) witnessed some of the highest ISAT scores to date. In fact, 91% of our students met or exceeded on the ISAT in reading and math. Congratulations to our entire teaching staff on a job well done!
And the good news kept on coming. A special thank you (and congrats) to the students who volunteered to paint the windows of area businesses this past week. Our middle and high school students donated their time, efforts, and talents to assist the town in preparing for the annual Christmas in the Village, conducted this past Saturday. Perhaps most impressive were the business owners who took the time to call the Superintendent of Schools and report that our students were respectful and friendly. Honestly, I could be more proud of our students for representing Grant Park School District in great fashion!
Also, Grant Park High School finished a spirited Homecoming week last Saturday with the annual dance. Once again, our Student Council, led by Mrs. Amanda Shoup and Mr. Steve Rogus, treated staff and students alike to a wonderful week of activities and excitement. It was truly impressive how the clear majority of our student body handled themselves in adult fashion throughout the week! Equally important, our high school staff demonstrated a high degree of patience during interrupted schedules. There was spirit in the hallways of Grant Park- and it was fantastic to watch.
Speaking of Grant Park High School, you may be aware that a committee to discuss high school scheduling has been created. The committee, which will be reviewing the potential strengths and weaknesses of the block, consists of teachers, board members, parents, administrators, and students. It is very clear that our stakeholders have very strong opinions regarding high school scheduling, and I believe that regardless of the outcome, it is important to bring this topic to a public forum. I will keep you posted regarding future recommendations and/or decisions.
I wish you and your family the best of the holiday season!

As “Gobble-Gobble” day is right around the corner, it is a perfect time for reflection and giving thanks to those deserving. 

 At our November board meeting, the administrative team had the opportunity to report to our publlic (and Board of Education) a presentation entitled, “The Past, Present, and Future.”  We reviewed our past student achievement levels, stated progress on our current goals, and discussed the future of Grant Park School District #6.  Our vision is quite simple-  to provide the best educational experience for our students!  In fact, the presented information at this meeting displayed some amazing achievements that are happening in Dragonland!  For example, the ISAT composite (math and reading) for Grant Park Elementary (K-8) was 91% meeting or exceeding Illinois State Standards.  This composite score was tied for the highest composite in Kankakee County-  and is a reflection of the hard work being completed by the teaching and RtI staff. 

We also learned that our high school ACT score witnessed a significant increase from the past year.  For the 2011-12 school year, our high school staff is evaluating student data with formative and informative assessments.  We know (and our teacher’s expect) better performance on this difficult assessment, and we are stressing this point with our current juniors.  We are reviewing every facet of district, including the recent formation of a committee to examine block versus traditional scheduling. 

Yes, there is a great deal to be thankful for.  As the superintendent of Grant Park School District, I am blessed to work with devoted educators, dedicated support staff, compassionate administrators, and a Board of Education that is committed to improving our school system.  I hope you have a great holiday season, beginning with Gobble-Gobble day!